BY NAMITA DOGRA SUDAN
Smyrna, GA, August 10, 2026: Patriots and local conservatives gathered in Smyrna on Friday, August 7, 2026, for the Georgia GOP’s 12th Annual Marksmanship & BBQ Event. Organized under the national America 250 banner to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the packed gathering brought together community members, regional organizers, and high-profile state leaders for an evening centered on patriotic celebration and political unity.
The event kicked off with a marksmanship contest at the facility’s indoor shooting range, followed by a catered barbecue dinner, where attendees networked and heard from conservative political leaders.
Although he was listed as a headline speaker, Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson chose not to deliver a formal podium address. Instead, Jackson spent his time walking the floor and engaging directly with attendees, listening to voter concerns, taking photos, and holding one-on-one conversations.
During these interactions, NRI Pulse had an opportunity to speak with Jackson about news coverage of Georgia’s Indian American community. Jackson immediately recalled his recent attendance at an event hosted by the Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage (GAPI).
The official program featured a lineup of political leaders and guest speakers, with Georgia GOP Chairman Josh McKoon serving as master of ceremonies.
Featured political figures included U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, U.S. Senate candidate Mike Collins, lieutenant governor candidate Greg Dolezal, 6th Congressional District representative Kevin Martin, and 11th Congressional District representative Dr. John Cowan.
The speakers addressed the crowd during the dinner portion of the evening, emphasizing party unity and grassroots engagement ahead of the upcoming election season.
Jackson, founder and CEO of Jackson Healthcare, secured the Republican nomination for governor after defeating Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in a high-profile June 16, 2026, primary runoff.
Running on a platform focused on tax reduction, economic development, and business growth, Jackson is set to face Democratic nominee and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in the general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
